CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission will hold public comment hearings in October and November regarding rate proposals from Appalachian Power Company and West Virginia American Water Company.

Both companies have requested rate increases for customers; Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power requesting a $114.6 million increase in annual revenue, which is a 7.85 percent increase. West Virginia American Water requested an increase of $32.7 million, or around a 24 percent increase, for water customers and a $218,087 increase, or a 23.9 percent increase, for sewer customers.

The public comment hearings for the power company are such:

— Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m., at the Mercer County Courthouse in Princeton;
— Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m., at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center in Beckley;
— Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., at West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling;
— Oct. 29, 6 p.m., at the Cabell County Courthouse in Huntington; and
— Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m., at PSC headquarters in Charleston.

An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13 through Nov. 16 at the PSC office in Charleston.

The public comment hearings for the water company’s proposal will be held at the following times:

An evidentiary hearing is scheduled between Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 at the Public Service Commission Office in Charleston.

The commission approved last month plans for Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power to reduce rates by an average of 3.8 percent for customers, while West Virginia American Water would reduce rates by 3.5 percent. Both rates changes go into effect this month.